West Indies achieved what was expected of them after winning the toss and opting to bowl, that was to bowl the opposition out. Kemar Roach justified his captain's decision with a four-wicket haul, backed by Tino Best, to restrict the struggling New Zealand side to 260 on a Sabina Park pitch which offered something more to the seamers on the opening day than the surface at Antigua. New Zealand, though, brought it on themselves with a series of poor shots and as a result they could never keep West Indies under pressure for sustained periods.

The captain Ross Taylor said after the first Test that his team needed more centuries if they are to mount any pressure on the opposition. But once again, they turned in an underwhelming performance with the bat, with two batsmen, including Taylor himself, making half-centuries but failing to convert them. New Zealand had made decent progress till tea, but lost their last seven wickets for 99 runs to give West Indies the upper hand.

The overnight rain had left some moisture on the pitch and that prompted Darren Sammy to give his bowlers first use of the conditions. His seamers induced mistakes from the top order with an incisive opening spell. Best, in for the injured Ravi Rampaul, made an impact straightaway, beating the batsmen with pace and extra lift from a good length. There was no swing on offer but movement off the pitch, which kept the openers guessing. A couple of outside edges fell short of the packed slip cordon, Guptill took one on the chest, and it looked like a wicket was around the corner.

Smart stats

Kemar Roach's four-wicket haul is his second of the series (five-for in the first Test) and the sixth haul of four or more wickets in his Tests. Since 2009, Roach's tally of 81 wickets is comfortably the best among West Indian bowlers.

Martin Guptill continued his good form with his third consecutive half-century of the series. In five previous innings, Guptill has scored four half-centuries and averages 62.4.

Ross Taylor's 60 is his 16th half-century and first against West Indies. In six innings against West Indies, Taylor has scored 191 runs at 31.83.

The 103-run stand between Guptill and Taylor is the fifth-highest third-wicket stand for New Zealand against West Indies. The four other century stands for the third wicket have come in Tests played in New Zealand.

Brendon McCullum's tally of ducks (10) is the fourth-highest among New Zealand top-order (1-7) batsmen (only includes innings played between No.1 and No.7). Stephen Fleming and Ken Rutherford top the list with 16 ducks each.

If West Indies go past New Zealand's total, it will only be the fourth time they would have managed to gain the lead batting second against top teams (excluding Bangladesh and Zimbabwe) since 2009. Click here for a list of matches where they have gained the lead after batting first.

It came via Roach, though West Indies should consider themselves fortunate. Roach bowled it on the channel outside off, induced the half-hearted drive from BJ Watling, and the ball landed safely in Chris Gayle's hands at first slip. But as is routine with Roach, the umpires checked for the front-foot no-ball and replays showed his foot landing on the line, with a tiny part of his boot behind it, and sliding forward. The umpires went by the first point of contact and gave the bowler the benefit of the doubt. It wasn't the most convincing decision but Watling had to go.

There were no such doubts about the second wicket though. Four balls later, Brendon McCullum got a jaffa from Best, which held its line on the corridor outside the off stump and found a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. Taylor had a close call first ball when the ball kicked up, brushed his glove and shoulder, and dropped wide of point.

Guptill and Taylor, virtually opening the innings at 12 for 2, then weathered the storm. Taylor took advantage when Roach began to lose focus, driving the half volleys and spanking anything short and wide. Guptill scooped Sammy elegantly over long-on for six and Taylor too slapped one past point.

Taylor was more positive after lunch, pouncing on some wayward offerings by Roach and brought up his fifty with a pull. Taylor had set the platform to score a century, but threw it away at 60 off a rash stroke. He was harsh on anything short and wide outside off and after putting away a couple of boundaries wide of point, he got too ambitious against a Best delivery which cramped him for room. Denesh Ramdin pouched a thick outside edge and Best celebrated his second wicket with his usual chest-beating theatrics.

It increased the pressure on Guptill, then on 43. He was watchful for most part, as if settling to play a long innings, but was alert to anything bowled short. He clubbed Sunil Narine for a flat six over midwicket and brought up his third straight fifty of the series with a pull off Narine past square leg.

The fight went out after tea, giving West Indies another opening. Kane Williamson had worked his way to a patient 22 before playing a loose drive against the part-time off spin of Narsingh Deonarine, offering an easy catch to Sammy. Dean Brownlie did nothing to reverse his poor form on this tour, nicking Roach to the wicketkeeper without scoring. The responsibility only piled on Guptill, who now had to shepherd an inexperienced lower order, already depleted by the loss of Daniel Vettori.

A run-out added to New Zealand's woes. Guptill looked in discomfort, perhaps with his hamstring, but his partner Kruger van Wyk took the risk of pushing for a quick single. Van Wyk punched it to cover but Guptill, who was struggling to make it to the other end, couldn't beat the direct hit from Best. New Zealand had lost their mainstay and from then on it was a question of how quickly West Indies could wrap up the innings.

After losing three wickets for nine runs, the last four wickets added 90, perhaps the only silver lining in an otherwise poor session for the visitors. Tim Southee and Neil Wagner swung their bats around to take the score past 250. Roach picked up his third wicket when he had Southee edging to slip and later wrapped up the innings when Wagner miscued a pull to mid-on. New Zealand couldn't sneak in any wickets in the five overs before stumps. They will count on their four-man pace attack to take advantage of the conditions. Otherwise, it could be another Chris Gayle show.

I agree with others that finally finally Gibson has rectified one of his mistakes. Rampaul has been an honest toiler the last 12 months with bat and ball. But he isnt quality enough to be in the side as either a batsmen or bowler. There simply must be an out and out quick like Best who is suddenly committed or even Edwards playing alongside Roach, with Narine and a 4th young pacer like Johnson to form the bowling line up with Sammy at 6th. With a batting line up of Gayle, Powell, Bravo jnr, Samuels, Chanderpaul, Sammy and Ramdin....I think 4 bowlers are ok

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 13:50 GMT

Roach & Best can both hit 150, why isn't Edwards the 3rd seamer? Or Delorn Johnson? Those 4 would give WI a seam attack better than England's. Or Jerome Taylor/ Rampaul/ even Andre Russell?

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 13:47 GMT

Just in case anyone in the WI committee, including Gibson, Sammy and the manager is reading these comments. You are not using Deonarine as a bowler. he is a genuine all rounder and it looks looks like he is a part time bowler or he is used only when Sammy wants to switch a bowler around. Look at his bowling averages since he came back in the team. Come on guys if you want to win this series give the man some work in the bowling area.

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 13:11 GMT

Sammy Sammy Sammy can someone please tell me what this man is doing on a test side if this is the standard the WICB is setting to the future generation.We need at least 3 front line pace blowers and Sammy is taking up that other blower piick. Why for some strange reason does west indies cricket fail to progress in new strategies or technology. Right now we have a great group of guys to pick from and feel for some because the captain is taking up a pick, but in general the guys are doing well lets just hope for better management.

Flighted_kiwi
on August 3, 2012, 13:10 GMT

Like Min2000, this has been a hard series to follow for a NZ fan - as hard as trying to fathom NZC & the selections. Our batting has been failing all series so what do they do? - drop our most experienced bowler. I still can't believe it. And Ross - be honest man. All this rubbish about "We wanted two fresh bowlers after Martin bowled a fair bit in the warm-up game and the first Test". Thats a pathetic lie. Wagner bowled 5 overs more in each of those games than CM. The problem has been lack of bowling. Now when the Phantom gets some overs under his belt they substitute him for a very raw attack with no senior bowler.
It seems that the batsmen can fail with impunity but an experienced bowler who, while not bowling great in the first test, was the highest wicket taker pays the price . It seems show ponies who pick and choose when to play and don't produce are preferred over honest triers. I was getting up to follow them but no more. This debacle is not worth the loss of sleep.

BackOfALength504
on August 3, 2012, 12:59 GMT

Loving the new found heart & determination the Windies are showing, most specially the bowling of Roach & Best. This guys are showing sign of the Windies of yestayear...KEEP IT UP FELLAZ.

estraker
on August 3, 2012, 1:42 GMT

Gibson as i have said on numerious occasions no batsman like to have 3 or 4 fast bowlers as an oposition. Then the big question is who are we going to leave out? let us start with Sammy since he cannot hold his place in any department : as a captain, fast bowler, a spinner, or even a batsman. Two months ago i was suggesting to my friend that sammy should learn to keepwicket if he wants to maintain his place in the side. Gibson, wake-up!

subbass
on August 3, 2012, 1:40 GMT

Good to see Gayle back in whites and Narine, Best and Roach doing well of late. There an emerging side, even if they are only beating a poor NZ side.

bajah
on August 3, 2012, 1:37 GMT

Well done boys keep up the good work. Nice to see that Best is at it again.

SNIFFLEATHER
on August 3, 2012, 1:19 GMT

Roach and Best = REAL QUICK, REAL WINDIES BOWLING! Good job guys, now its the batters turn!

mrhamilton
on August 3, 2012, 14:07 GMT

I agree with others that finally finally Gibson has rectified one of his mistakes. Rampaul has been an honest toiler the last 12 months with bat and ball. But he isnt quality enough to be in the side as either a batsmen or bowler. There simply must be an out and out quick like Best who is suddenly committed or even Edwards playing alongside Roach, with Narine and a 4th young pacer like Johnson to form the bowling line up with Sammy at 6th. With a batting line up of Gayle, Powell, Bravo jnr, Samuels, Chanderpaul, Sammy and Ramdin....I think 4 bowlers are ok

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 13:50 GMT

Roach & Best can both hit 150, why isn't Edwards the 3rd seamer? Or Delorn Johnson? Those 4 would give WI a seam attack better than England's. Or Jerome Taylor/ Rampaul/ even Andre Russell?

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 13:47 GMT

Just in case anyone in the WI committee, including Gibson, Sammy and the manager is reading these comments. You are not using Deonarine as a bowler. he is a genuine all rounder and it looks looks like he is a part time bowler or he is used only when Sammy wants to switch a bowler around. Look at his bowling averages since he came back in the team. Come on guys if you want to win this series give the man some work in the bowling area.

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 13:11 GMT

Sammy Sammy Sammy can someone please tell me what this man is doing on a test side if this is the standard the WICB is setting to the future generation.We need at least 3 front line pace blowers and Sammy is taking up that other blower piick. Why for some strange reason does west indies cricket fail to progress in new strategies or technology. Right now we have a great group of guys to pick from and feel for some because the captain is taking up a pick, but in general the guys are doing well lets just hope for better management.

Flighted_kiwi
on August 3, 2012, 13:10 GMT

Like Min2000, this has been a hard series to follow for a NZ fan - as hard as trying to fathom NZC & the selections. Our batting has been failing all series so what do they do? - drop our most experienced bowler. I still can't believe it. And Ross - be honest man. All this rubbish about "We wanted two fresh bowlers after Martin bowled a fair bit in the warm-up game and the first Test". Thats a pathetic lie. Wagner bowled 5 overs more in each of those games than CM. The problem has been lack of bowling. Now when the Phantom gets some overs under his belt they substitute him for a very raw attack with no senior bowler.
It seems that the batsmen can fail with impunity but an experienced bowler who, while not bowling great in the first test, was the highest wicket taker pays the price . It seems show ponies who pick and choose when to play and don't produce are preferred over honest triers. I was getting up to follow them but no more. This debacle is not worth the loss of sleep.

BackOfALength504
on August 3, 2012, 12:59 GMT

Loving the new found heart & determination the Windies are showing, most specially the bowling of Roach & Best. This guys are showing sign of the Windies of yestayear...KEEP IT UP FELLAZ.

estraker
on August 3, 2012, 1:42 GMT

Gibson as i have said on numerious occasions no batsman like to have 3 or 4 fast bowlers as an oposition. Then the big question is who are we going to leave out? let us start with Sammy since he cannot hold his place in any department : as a captain, fast bowler, a spinner, or even a batsman. Two months ago i was suggesting to my friend that sammy should learn to keepwicket if he wants to maintain his place in the side. Gibson, wake-up!

subbass
on August 3, 2012, 1:40 GMT

Good to see Gayle back in whites and Narine, Best and Roach doing well of late. There an emerging side, even if they are only beating a poor NZ side.

bajah
on August 3, 2012, 1:37 GMT

Well done boys keep up the good work. Nice to see that Best is at it again.

SNIFFLEATHER
on August 3, 2012, 1:19 GMT

Roach and Best = REAL QUICK, REAL WINDIES BOWLING! Good job guys, now its the batters turn!

SNIFFLEATHER
on August 3, 2012, 1:18 GMT

A good day for the Windies. Next two days the track should be pretty flat, if, as expected, it stays true to form. If that is the case, then the tourists may well find themselves out in the field for the majority of days two and three. West Indies needed the extra firepower that Best brought to the attack, and it is long overdue to see two genuine quicks operating in tandem for the Windies again. Keep it up guys, keep them under pressure and this one is ours for the taking.

Min2000
on August 3, 2012, 1:03 GMT

As a New Zealander I am finding this series tough to watch. We've been outplayed in all facets by an improving Windies side that has been strengthened by the return of Gayle - they deserve the success that they have had but I feel like the kiwis got off on the wrong foot, arriving in the Caribbean woefully under strength. Does anyone seriously believe we have the depth to pick separate squads for all formats?

Senior players seem to drop in and out of the various squads whenever they want. T20 specialist McCullum resting up after the IPL while the team struggles. Vettori decides he doesn't want to play one dayers and then he changes his mind. Jessie Ryder decides not to go on the tour at all - instead he's in NZL to take part in some charity boxing bout, and is looking fitter than ever!

Finally the coaching situation - John Wright has a proven track record with India but does anyone else get the feeling he doesn't really want to be there?

NZC needs new leadership at the top.

hyrclov
on August 3, 2012, 0:31 GMT

good stuff from the windies , guptill tried his best , tino and roach did very well , good day out , powell is turning out to be a good prospect for now , new zeland looked at sea out there for me and windies grabed their chance with both hands

BRUTALANALYST
on August 3, 2012, 0:24 GMT

TINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!! WELL WELL WELL what we all been saying on here for so long finally ! What a difference it makes having 2 real pacers opening man Best was on fire the way he squared up Mcculum and then the next ball should of had Taylor was some express pace where was the dive at gully though ? boy but again Sammy 1st change does not work it takes pressure of immediately we need to have at least 3 pacers man even 4 if it's not spinnin wicket and Gayle Samuels and DEO can offer part time spin variation. DEo bowled real well today should of had Guptill caught and bowled early hope W.I good lead tomorrow Chris in JA for 50 yrs go big !

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 0:03 GMT

Good from the Windies. I am impressed by the windies over the last 1 year. Without the stars they were almost equal to the other teams, with the stars they are winning.

lyl67
on August 2, 2012, 23:57 GMT

West Indies team is heading in the right direction,but their Captain is found wanting, no cricketing brain for example his handling of the bowling is terrible, not only in this test but in the others as well. The manager seem to think he is doing a good job, if so he should not be Manager. My question...... Is Sammy good enough to Captain any International team? Why are our bowlers bowling so many no balls? Are the coaching staff doing anything about it? these guys are professionals and should do better.

No featured comments at the moment.

lyl67
on August 2, 2012, 23:57 GMT

West Indies team is heading in the right direction,but their Captain is found wanting, no cricketing brain for example his handling of the bowling is terrible, not only in this test but in the others as well. The manager seem to think he is doing a good job, if so he should not be Manager. My question...... Is Sammy good enough to Captain any International team? Why are our bowlers bowling so many no balls? Are the coaching staff doing anything about it? these guys are professionals and should do better.

dummy4fb
on August 3, 2012, 0:03 GMT

Good from the Windies. I am impressed by the windies over the last 1 year. Without the stars they were almost equal to the other teams, with the stars they are winning.

BRUTALANALYST
on August 3, 2012, 0:24 GMT

TINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!! WELL WELL WELL what we all been saying on here for so long finally ! What a difference it makes having 2 real pacers opening man Best was on fire the way he squared up Mcculum and then the next ball should of had Taylor was some express pace where was the dive at gully though ? boy but again Sammy 1st change does not work it takes pressure of immediately we need to have at least 3 pacers man even 4 if it's not spinnin wicket and Gayle Samuels and DEO can offer part time spin variation. DEo bowled real well today should of had Guptill caught and bowled early hope W.I good lead tomorrow Chris in JA for 50 yrs go big !

hyrclov
on August 3, 2012, 0:31 GMT

good stuff from the windies , guptill tried his best , tino and roach did very well , good day out , powell is turning out to be a good prospect for now , new zeland looked at sea out there for me and windies grabed their chance with both hands

Min2000
on August 3, 2012, 1:03 GMT

As a New Zealander I am finding this series tough to watch. We've been outplayed in all facets by an improving Windies side that has been strengthened by the return of Gayle - they deserve the success that they have had but I feel like the kiwis got off on the wrong foot, arriving in the Caribbean woefully under strength. Does anyone seriously believe we have the depth to pick separate squads for all formats?

Senior players seem to drop in and out of the various squads whenever they want. T20 specialist McCullum resting up after the IPL while the team struggles. Vettori decides he doesn't want to play one dayers and then he changes his mind. Jessie Ryder decides not to go on the tour at all - instead he's in NZL to take part in some charity boxing bout, and is looking fitter than ever!

Finally the coaching situation - John Wright has a proven track record with India but does anyone else get the feeling he doesn't really want to be there?

NZC needs new leadership at the top.

SNIFFLEATHER
on August 3, 2012, 1:18 GMT

A good day for the Windies. Next two days the track should be pretty flat, if, as expected, it stays true to form. If that is the case, then the tourists may well find themselves out in the field for the majority of days two and three. West Indies needed the extra firepower that Best brought to the attack, and it is long overdue to see two genuine quicks operating in tandem for the Windies again. Keep it up guys, keep them under pressure and this one is ours for the taking.

SNIFFLEATHER
on August 3, 2012, 1:19 GMT

Roach and Best = REAL QUICK, REAL WINDIES BOWLING! Good job guys, now its the batters turn!

bajah
on August 3, 2012, 1:37 GMT

Well done boys keep up the good work. Nice to see that Best is at it again.

subbass
on August 3, 2012, 1:40 GMT

Good to see Gayle back in whites and Narine, Best and Roach doing well of late. There an emerging side, even if they are only beating a poor NZ side.

estraker
on August 3, 2012, 1:42 GMT

Gibson as i have said on numerious occasions no batsman like to have 3 or 4 fast bowlers as an oposition. Then the big question is who are we going to leave out? let us start with Sammy since he cannot hold his place in any department : as a captain, fast bowler, a spinner, or even a batsman. Two months ago i was suggesting to my friend that sammy should learn to keepwicket if he wants to maintain his place in the side. Gibson, wake-up!